LG WM2050CW Removal of Washer Inner Basket

[sabre193]

Hi, I've got a 7 yr old LG WM2050CW Front-load Washer in which the bearings seem to be going.  Symptoms are that it sounds like a jet engine roaring on high-speed spin, there's a bit of play in the inner basket when I manipulate it, and when I opened it up there were rust stains/splatters and rust coating the rotor & stator.  I've gotten the unit apart and was hoping to either replace the bearings or purchase a rear outer tub assembly (which includes new bearings & seal already in place).

Unfortunately, I can't seem to get the inner basket separated from the outer tub.  I've read the entries in the forums and watched online videos, including this thread:

I've got the rear outer tub up on blocks so the inner basket hangs freely.  I've tried several times over several days; applied Liquid Wrench, then switched to Blaster penetrating catalyst, reapplied various times, tap & sit, sit overnight, etc.  I've tried pounding the spindle/shaft originally with a hammer & block of wood, then switched to pounding directly with a 3 lb dead blow hammer.  The spindle/shaft won't budge; no progress whatsoever.  I even tried to buy/download the service manual to see if there was something I was missing, but I'm not a professional, so I can't upgrade my membership to purchase the manual.

Obviously, if I can't get these separated, it's not worth trying to repair this machine. I can't imagine there's some special lock holding this in place which needs to be released, but before I give up I figured I'd check on this forum to see if anyone has any advice or secrets to share about getting these two units separated.  Thanks in advance!

 

[john63]

I've had a few corroded/stubborn inner drums that would not budge.

The only thing that works...if aggressive blows from a 3 lb hammer fails...is a sledgehammer with a wood block.

This requires careful and deliberate aiming...so as not to damage tub from a missed strike. 

Should only need 2 or 3 blows for success.